Needing some retail therapy?
Visit the Algarve Shopping Centre, which is on the EN125 at Guia and is well signposted. As well as a great variety of shops, there are bars and restaurants for those who need a little respite from carrying those heavy shopping bags and to resting those weary feet. It is open from 10am to midnight 7 days a week.

Wine tasting
Visit the Quinta da Miradouro winery near Guia to sample the Vida Nova wines specially produced for Sir Cliff Richard. Tours are available but must be pre-booked on 00 351 968 776 971 or adegadocantor@mail.telepac.pt but if you simply wish to purchase you can visit Cellar Door Shop. Opening hours for both are Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm (closed for lunch 1-2pm).

Visit the World of Sand.
This international sand sculpture festival is usually held between May and October. Reportedly the biggest sand city in the world, this fascinating and spectacle will amaze all members of the family! There are sand sculpture activities for children and it is illuminated by night. Take Exit 8 off the A22 (Algoz/Pera), or from EN125 at Pera follow signs.

Go to the beach!
The Algarve is renowned for its wonderful beaches of soft golden sand. Most have parking areas, toilets and restaurant facilities and during the peak months most of them have lifeguards on duty. There are so many to choose from but a particular favourite on this part of the Algarve is Praia da Falésia, where the sands stretch for over 3 kilometres.

Visit the most south westerly tip of Europe
at the Cabo de Sao Vicente, which has reputedly the most powerful lighthouse in Europe. To watch the sun setting here is a truly memorable experience.

Motor racing!
The new Autodromo Internacional do Algarve opened at the end of 2008. It is just off the A22 between Portimao and Lagos and is well signed. Check out the events for this forthcoming season on www.autodromodoalgarve.com for both cars and motorbikes. The petrol heads in the party will love the experience.

Visit some charming inland villages.
Alte is a popular village with white washed houses and narrow cobbled streets. Explore the charming little shops and then relax in the shade with a picnic by the Fontes and have a refreshing swim in the freshwater pool.

Faro is the regional capital
and has a delightful old town, which is well worth spending an afternoon or early evening having a wander around. Stop for a drink and 'people watch' along the Rua de Santo Antonio, which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants.

Loulé is famous for its lively Saturday market
where it is possible to buy some great bargains in leather and textiles. It is also well known for its crafts and you can watch artisans wood carving, making lace and painting pottery and tiles.

Monchique is a spa town
set in the hills planted with cork, eucalyptus and fruit trees. There are some lovely walks through the woods with stunning views of the mountains. Pamper yourself with treatments in the Spa Hotel Termal in Caldas da Monchique.

Horse riding and trekking
are available at Cegonha Vilamoura, with rides and trekking for all abilities. Also nearby is Pine Trees at Vale do Lobo, situated on the road between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

Take a boat trip!
Trips leave from Vilamoura Marina, Faro and Albufeira to the different beaches and the Islands. It is also possible to charter a yacht from Vilamoura Marina and enjoy a day sailing around the beautiful coastline.

Brush up your tennis skills
at one of the many tennis centres and academies in Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo. Take your own racquets. If you are lucky you might be there when some big names are in town to participate in a tournament.

For a day out with a difference,
visit the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, which stretches along 37 miles of coastline east of Faro from Olhao to Tavira. It was created to protect the ecosystem of the area and is an important breeding area for wetland birds.

When in Rome....
don't forget to sample the many different types of port wine!
Chilled white port makes an interesting aperitif and can be a serious rival to sherry.
Accompanied by some delicious local olives, it's a great way to preface a supper of freshly grilled sardines!

Visit a water park.
There are several along the Algarve coast, the nearest to the property being Aquashow Algarve at Quarteira. (Tel: 289 389 396). Open daily from 10am - 5.30pm (7pm in August). It is also a bird park with birds of prey and tropical birds such as parrots and macaws.

The Big Night Out!
Located right in the heart of Vilamoura, the Casino Vilamoura is an ideal choice for a first-class night out. There´s plenty to choose from and the casino offers something for everybody´s taste.Why not start your evening in style by dining at the elegant restaurant and sampling the international cocktails at the exclusive Arabesque Bar and for entertainment, head to the Miralago Lounge, where you can enjoy the glitz and the glamour of the spectacular International shows.

Explore the town of Olhao,
one of the most important fishing ports along this coast. The town once had close trade links with North Africa which is reflected in shape of the town's cube-shaped houses with flat roofs and external staircases. Reward yourself with a fantastic lunch of the day's catch of the day at one of the many seafront fish restaurants.

Go to Spain!
It is worth taking a trip to the border with Spain at Vila Real de Santo Antonio, on the banks of the river Guadiana, which forms the border with Spain. Explore the twin castles of Castro Marin which were strategically placed to protect the settlement for many centuries.

Visit the Museu dos Frutos Secos in Loulé
an unusual museum, which focuses on early harvesting methods for figs, carob and almond fruit. Indulge yourself afterwards at the exciting Pastelaria Baguetomania, just off Avda 25 Abril. You only pay as much as your plate weighs.